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Month: July 2019
Top 5 Reasons to Upgrade Your Home Alarm System
Home security technology is forever changing and improving.
And while it’s true that you can upgrade it on a regular basis, it is important to stay informed on industry-changing innovations and designs. Here are a few reasons why you should stay ahead of the criminals and stay as upgraded as possible:
Older Technology is Easier to Hack
Older technology excites would-be burglars because it’s much simpler for them to circumvent these systems and breach your home defense. In all likelihood, they’ve encountered similar security systems in the past and are familiar with how to get around them.
Stay Up-to-date with Phone Technology
Many older home security systems rely on landline telephone numbers. However, thieves can cut traditional phone lines, thereby preventing security systems from alerting authorities that a breach in your home security has occurred. As such, it is effective to upgrade to a system that uses a wireless phone communication system.
Get Connected
The best modern technology is smart and connected. Look at how you manage your home in its entirety, rather than as individual segments and you’ll soon be able to control the temperature in your home, your security and even your lighting with one press of a smartphone button.
Safety from Any Location
The interconnectivity of smart networks these days mean that you can keep a check on your home from wherever you are. Smartphone connectivity means you can use an app on your phone to keep track of system activity. Some examples of this are using EMC Security home products, EMC Security Video Doorbell, and the Connect Plus security system.
Minimize Potential Black Spots
The newer the home security system, the lower the risk of potential problems with that system. Automation has improved as well as analysis and data collection from home systems, which helps to ensure that you have the best chance of limiting the threat of burglars.
For more information about upgrading your home security system contact EMC Security today at 770.963.0305.
What Burglars Are Looking For In Your Home
Most burglars tend to avoid the challenge of intruding a home that is protected while opting for homes with weaker security.
Nevertheless, once a burglar has gained access to your home, there are a few specific things that they are looking to steal. Here we take a look at what you need to consider as a homeowner or tenant, and how to counteract becoming a victim.
Unlocked Entry Points
When sizing up a property, most burglars are looking for the easiest way to get inside without being detected. Unsecured windows and doors act as open invitations for thieves to enter your home and increase the likelihood of a successful burglary.
Valuables in the Bedroom
Seasoned burglars are well are of the fact that most valuables are stored (or hidden) in the bedroom, and it is the first place that a thief will look for things like jewelry, small electronics, or potentially, sentimental items. And while a burglar won’t waste time trying to figure out the combination to your safe, they will take it with them if it’s small and not secured to the floor or wall, so don’t assume that your valuables are secure just because you’ve locked them away.
Cash Lying Around
Home intruders are looking for easy items to steal items with the highest cash value, allowing them to get in and out quickly. Cash and jewelry are the two things that are most likely to be taken first.
The main thing that will scare away a burglar is a solid home security system. If they gain entry and an alarm sounds it is more likely than not that they will leave immediately. For others, a home that has visible alarm systems, and intercom capabilities at the front door, is less likely to be targeted as the owners have taken their home security seriously.
If you would like to bolster your home security give EMC Security a call today and we can help put together a plan for your home.
Security Benefits of Outdoor Lighting
Outdoor lights make for an easy crime deterrent throughout the night.
While motion-sensing lights are by far the best option, simply leaving a porch light on along with the back door or side door lights work very well.
Automatic lights can detect any certain movement in its range, which is a cost-effective way to add security and convenience to your home. Here are a few ways motion-sensor lights can benefit your home:
Light outdoor walkways
Something as simple as taking out the trash can turn into a dangerous expedition without enough light at night. It’s easy to get your foot tangled in a garden hose or to miss a step from your porch. However, these problems are eliminated when you have extra light to help you see where you’re going.
Motion-sensor lights will come on and give you a clear path around your home to take the dog out, run to the garage or to get something from your car in the driveway. There’s no need to shuffle around your porch and outdoor walkway at night when motion-light sensors will simply turn on the second they know you’re outside.
Brighten dark driveways
Another benefit of having motion detected outdoor lighting is always come home to a well-lit house. Arriving home in darkness makes it hard to find your way without fumbling your way inside. Motion-sensor lights can turn on the second your car gets in the driveway, so you have a safe and hassle-free walk from your vehicle to your front door.
Additionally, having exterior lighting can also help you see packages left on your doorstep or mail inside of your mailbox.
Save money and energy
With motion-sensor LED security lights, you immediately save money with LED light bulbs, which last much longer than standard bulbs. LED lights are also extremely efficient, which means you will use less energy by keeping lights on only for a short period of time, instead of leaving them on all night. Using motion sensor lighting can save you up to 60 percent on your energy costs.
Keep home intruders at bay
Excess lighting surrounding your home could help you keep burglars away from your home at night. With motion-tracking LED security spotlights, light sensors work with a 240-degree field of view, which will track anything moving in a much larger area.
Lights have always been one of the best ways to prevent burglaries. According to historical stats, most burglaries occur when thieves believe homeowners not at home. Motion-sensor lights help give the illusion that someone is home and might have spotted criminals in the act. This could keep would-be burglars from perusing around your home at night as well.
Deter unwanted & potentially dangerous animals
A lot of residents in rural areas see their fair share of nighttime critters plunging around their property at night. Raccoons, deer, opossum, foxes and even bears can all get into your property if you don’t take right precautionary measures. As such, using motion-sensor lights will trigger when the animal gets close to your home in search of food or shelter, which could keep animals away from your home at night.
City of Decatur False Alarm Ordinance
Sec. 38-34. False Alarm Fines
For a response to any false alarm, the Decatur municipal court shall fine and collect such fines as follows from the person or business having and/or maintaining a security alarm system on the premises owned or occupied by such person:
First False Alarm
For the first response to premises at which no other false alarm has occurred within a: calendar year, there shall be no penalty;
Second False Alarm
For a second response to premises after the first response within a calendar year period, a written warning and a copy of this article shall be given, but the person having or maintaining such security alarm shall, within three working days after notice to do so, make a written report to the police chief, and if applicable, on prescribed forms setting forth the cause of such false alarm, the corrective action taken, whether such alarm has been inspected, by an authorized service person, and such other information as may be required to determine the cause. of such false alarm and necessary corrective action. Provision of this information is the sole responsibility of the offender.
Third False Alarm
For the third response to premises after a second response within a calendar year period, a fine as set forth in the schedule of fees and charges shall be charged, but a written report may be required as for a second response and the police chief shall be authorized to inspect or cause to be inspected the security alarm system at the owner’s expense by a certified service person and to prescribe necessary corrective action.
Fourth and Fifth False Alarms
For a fourth and a fifth response to premises within a calendar year, a fine as set forth in the schedule of fees and charges shall be charged, but a written report may be required, and the police chief shall be authorized to inspect or cause to be inspected the security alarm system at such premises, prescribe necessary corrective action, and shall give notice to the person or business having or maintaining such security alarm system of the conditions and requirements of this article, including the fee requirements for six or more false alarm responses by the police division within each calendar year.
Six or More False Alarms
After a sixth response to premises within a calendar year for all succeeding responses within that calendar year, a fine as set forth in the schedule of fees and charges shall be charged, and if such false alarms are as a result of failure to take necessary corrective action prescribed by the police chief, disconnection of such security alarm system may be ordered. It shall be unlawful to reconnect such security alarm system until such corrective action is taken. No disconnection shall be ordered to any premises required by law to have a security alarm system in operation.
False Alarm Fees
1st or 2nd citation $50.00 3rd or 4th citation $80.00 5th & up must appear in court Decatur Police Department 420 West Trinity Place
Decatur, Georgia 30030-3048
404-373-6551
Fax 404-370-4117
EMC Security – Office Services
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Commercial & Industrial Security Solutions for Offices
Worker safety, fire protection, remaining code compliant, and securing important documents are key issues in office environments.
Below are the services provided by EMC Security for offices:
1. Intrusion Detection
A security system is a cost effective way to protect facilities without the need of manned on-site security. The latest in technology also allows managers to receive notifications when the system is armed or disarmed.
2. Fire Protection
EMC Security ensures businesses remain code compliant with NFPA standards with full-service design, installation, monitoring, and fire system inspections.
3. Access Control
Managing control allows managers to track and limit employee and visitor movement throughout the complex. Reports from the access control system can be used for determining who has accessed certain areas and at what time.
4. Video Surveillance
Well placed video surveillance systems allow owners to maintain a record of activities for later review as well as provide owners with real-time and recorded video on demand and notifications while off-site.
Learn more about protecting your office by contacting EMC Security or completing our Commercial Instant Quote below.
EMC Security – Manufacturing Services
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Security Solutions for Manufacturing Facilities
Key challenges for manufacturing facilities include verifying quality control standards, evaluating manufacturing up-time, and mitigating workplace injury.
Below are the services provided by EMC Security for manufacturing facilities:
1. Video Surveillance
Well placed video surveillance systems allow managers to evaluate manufacturing processes as well as reviewing manufacturing up-time. They also provide forensic information when evaluating reports of a workplace incident and have been shown to mitigate theft and shrinkage.
2. Access Control
Access control systems allow managers to track and limit employee and visitor movement throughout the facility. Reports from the access control system can be used for determining who has accessed certain areas and at what time.
3. Fire Protection
EMC Security ensures businesses remain code compliant with NFPA standards with full-service design, installation, monitoring, and inspections.
4. Intrusion Detection
Intrusion systems are a cost-effective way to protect large facilities without the need for manned on-site security. The latest in technology also allows managers to receive notifications when the system is armed or disarmed.
Learn more about protecting your facility by contacting EMC Security or completing our Commercial Instant Quote below.
EMC Security – Data Center Services
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Security Solutions for Data Centers
It is critical for a data center to protect valuable technological assets and information in a low foot-traffic environment.
Below are the services provided by EMC Security for data centers:
1. Access Control
Sophisticated access control systems allow data centers to require dual credential (card credential plus biometric) access to meet compliance and elevate the level of security for critical area.
2. Fire Protection
Early detection systems like VESDA allow data centers to detect signs of fire and smoke early enough to contain significant damage. Fire systems protect employees and infrastructure from fire and allowing the buildings to remain code compliant with NFPA standards with full-service design, installation, monitoring, and inspections.
3. Video Surveillance
Video surveillance allows managers to review activity in and around the data center and verify compliance.
4. Intrusion Detection
EMC Security provides a cost effective way to protect large facilities without the need of manned on-site security. The latest in technology also allows managers to receive notifications when the system is armed or disarmed.
Learn more about protecting your data center by contacting EMC Security or completing our Commercial Instant Quote below.
How to Think Like a Burglar
Most people are respectable law-abiding citizens and tend not to have criminal minds.
However, as a homeowner, sometimes it helps to tap into your dark side to create a mental checklist of things to fall back on to deter those who make a living conjuring up ways to burglarize homes.
Adopting the mindset of a burglar might just save you from becoming a would-be victim.
Difficulty Is Key
Like most things in life people will often choose the easiest route to achieve their goals, this is especially true for burglars. Having an overall picture of your current home security setup and what you need to improve upon can go a long way in helping you avoid problems.
Things to Consider
- Survey your property for trees, shrubs or any other items that might potentially obscure the view of any suspicious activity. A burglar could you hide behind any nearby trees or bushes, making their efforts to invade your home unnoticeable and easier.
- Consider installing security lights. Burglars seek out empty properties so having motion sensor security lights will make them think twice about breaking into your home – especially at night.
- Walk around your house. Check all the entry points to your property and assess the potential dangers. Do you have glass in your doors? Does your back door need a high-security lock? Do your patio doors require a padlock?
- If you were a burglar and you saw a home with an alarm system would you still attempt to burglarize it? Burglars use their eyes and common sense when selecting potential victims. Security cameras have been shown to be the number one deterrent to home invasions.
- Does your home look appealing from the outside? In other words, do your doors and windows look like they can be easily forced. Check your door handles and locks to see if they have become weak over time. Add extra window locks or restrictors to deter opportunistic burglars.
- Burglars are attracted by expensive items that are left on display. Make sure you leave your laptops, jewelry, and money out of view of your front windows and patio doors.
Security Tips for Travelers
Ask any business professional and they’ll tell you, the world has grown in ways that demand professional services all over the world, which is why a growing number of people work away from home, and even those who don’t will often travel on a regular basis.
How to Keep Your Home Safe
As a result, one of the problems for professionals who frequently travel for work is finding a reliable way to ensure that their home is safe while they are away. With the number of burglaries and home invasions on the rise, you want to ensure that you are not one of those statistics.
Here are some security tips to make your home as secure as possible.
EMC Security Pre-Travel Checklist
- Tidy up the exterior of your house including mowing the lawn. Overgrown grass, unmoved rubbish and dormant toys/tools make a house look unoccupied. If you plan on traveling long enough for the grass to get overgrown, arrange with a trusted adult to mow your lawn.
- Don’t leave your car outside.
- Put your snail mail and any paper delivery on vacation hold.
- Give spare keys to a trusted adult. This person should also know the “safe” word for your security system should they be in contact with the monitoring center.
- Hopefully you have a reliable neighbor who will promptly remove any flyers in your door or on the knob.
- Here’s something you probably never thought of: A burglar casing your street on trash pickup day may notice the one house whose trash cans aren’t at the curb. Hmmm…maybe those people are away on vacation? So have a neighbor bring your trash cans out on trash day—with trash in them—and then bring them back in.
- Set up an automatic timed lighting system. Open curtains or shades enough to reveal this to anyone passing by, but not enough for someone to be able to see your valuables through your windows.
- And don’t forget to arm your alarm system before you embark on your trip.
Need a security system? Give EMC Security a call at 770.963.0305 or check out our website on how to customize the best home security system for your needs today.
EMC Security – Utilities Services
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Security Solutions for Utility Plants
Challenges facing utilities are protecting the critical infrastructure that serves the community as well as remaining code compliant with growing utility regulation.
Below are the services provided by EMC Security for utility facilities:
1. Video Surveillance
Improvements in video technology allow utilities to employ intelligent video solutions in offices as well as in the field. Real-time notifications using video analytics allow utilities to reliably protect critical infrastructure.
2. Fire Protection
Protect employees from fire and allow the buildings to remain code compliant with NFPA standards with full-service design, installation, monitoring, and inspections.
3. Access Control
Access control systems give a history of authorized access to certain areas as well as limits access to protected areas. Pairing access control with video solutions is a force multiplier used by many utilities to protect critical infrastructure.
4. Intrusion Detection
EMC Security provides a cost-effective way to protect large facilities without the need for manned on-site security. The latest in technology also allows managers to receive notifications when the system is armed or disarmed.
Learn more about protecting your utility plant by contacting EMC Security or completing our Commercial Instant Quote below.